The World Is Yours
Nas (Illmatic 1994) Lyrics

Whose world is this?
Asking who truly owns the world

(The world is yours, the world is yours)
Answering that the world belongs to everyone

It's mine, it's mine, it's mine
Emphasizing personal ownership and pride in oneself and one's surroundings

Whose world is this?
Repeating the initial question

I sip the Dom P, watching "Gandhi" 'til I'm charged
Enjoying a luxurious lifestyle while deriving inspiration from movies

Then writing in my book of rhymes, all the words past the margin
Putting his heart and soul into writing music and having so much to say that it flows beyond the margins of the page

To hold the mic I'm throbbin', mechanical movement
Feeling energized when performing and moving with a fluidity akin to that of a machine

Understandable smooth shit that murderers move with
Creating an accessible and smooth style that even criminals can appreciate

The thief's theme: play me at night, they won't act right
Rapping about criminal themes which make people feel like they must always be on guard

The fiend of hip-hop has got me stuck like a crack pipe
Being so deeply in love with hip-hop culture that it's like an addiction

The mind activation, react like I'm facin' time like "Pappy" Mason
Using intense focus and concentration to write raps that feel like they're being created under extreme pressure

With pens I'm embracin'
Holding onto his writing utensils with a sense of ownership and dedication

Wipe the sweat off my dome, spit the phlegm on the streets
Experiencing the physical toll of performing and simultaneously being so raw and unfiltered that he spits phlegm on the street

Suede Timb's on my feets makes my cipher complete
Wearing fashionable footwear to complete his unique style and sense of identity

Whether crusing in a Sikh's cab, or Montero Jeep
Emphasizing the versatility of his lifestyle and ability to adapt to different situations and environments

I can't call it, the beats make me falling asleep
Being lulled into a sense of peace and relaxation by the music he creates

I keep falling, but never falling six feet deep
Facing challenges and obstacles, but always persevering and never giving up permanently

I'm out for presidents to represent me (say what?)
Striving to achieve financial success and gain political power

To my man Ill Will, God bless your life (it's yours!)
Offering a shout-out and prayer to a friend or loved one

To my peoples throughout Queens, God bless your life
Wishing good fortune to everyone in his community

I trip, we box up crazy bitches
Dealing with difficult, unpredictable people in his life

Aiming guns at all my baby pictures
Feeling like he's had to protect his past and his childhood from danger

Beef with housing police, release scriptures that's maybe Hitler's
Having a contentious relationship with the police and channeling his frustrations into lyrics that could be seen as controversial or extreme

Yet I'm the mild, money-getting style, rolling foul
Maintaining a cool and collected demeanor while still accumulating wealth illegally

The versatile, honey-sticking wild golden child
Being adaptable and multifaceted while still being charming and charismatic in his personality

Dwelling in the Rotten Apple, you get tackled
Living in a place like New York City where it feels like there are constant obstacles and challenges

Or caught by the devil's lasso, shit is a hassle
Getting caught up in negative situations that feel impossible to escape from

There's no days, for broke days we sell it: smoke pays
Experiencing financial desperation and turning to selling drugs to make ends meet

While all the old folks pray to Jesus, soaking their sins in trays
Observing the religious practices of older generations and feeling like they're not helpful in his life

Of holy water. Odds against Nas are slaughter
Suggesting that the world is against him and his chances of success are low

Thinking a word best describing my life to name my daughter
Contemplating how to give his child a name that captures the essence of his own experiences

My strength, my son, the star, will be my resurrection
Seeing hope and salvation in his children and their potential

Born in correction
Viewing his children as the opportunity for him to correct his past mistakes

All the wrong shit I did, he'll lead a right direction
Believing that his children can learn from his own past and use that knowledge to make better choices

"How you living?" Large, a broker charge - cards are mediocre
Boasting about his luxurious lifestyle and commenting on the fleeting nature of material possessions

You flipping coke or playing spit spades and strip poker?
Comparing his own wealth and status to that of others in a tongue-in-cheek way, implying that they're either selling drugs or playing childish games to make money

I'm the young city bandit, hold myself down single-handed
Being a self-made man and embodying a sense of confidence and independence

For murder raps, I kick my thoughts alone, get remanded
Facing consequences for the controversial and violent content of his lyrics

Born alone, die alone, no crew to keep my crown or throne
Acknowledging that his successes and failures are his own, and that he has no one to rely on but himself

I'm deep by sound alone, caved inside, 1,000 miles from home
Feeling isolated and introspective, deriving solace and meaning from his music and personal experiences

I need a new nigga for this black cloud to follow
Feeling like he needs a new ally or supporter to help him navigate difficult circumstances

Cause while it's over me it's too dark to see tomorrow
Feeling like he's facing too many obstacles in his life to be able to see a brighter future

Trying to maintain, I flip, fill the clip to the tip
Trying to stay afloat in difficult times, even as he's actively pursuing dangerous or illegal activities

Picturing my peeps, now the income make my heartbeat skip
Thinking about his loved ones and the money he earns, which brings him joy and excitement

And I'm amped up, they locked the champ up, even my brain's in handcuffs
Feeling frustrated and trapped, both mentally and physically, because of the obstacles he's facing

Headed for Indiana, stabbing women like the Phantom
Referencing a serial killer in popular culture and how people are quick to judge or stereotype him based on his background or appearance

The crew is lamping, Big Willie-style
Describing himself and his peers as living the high life and exuding a sense of swagger and confidence

Check the chip-toothed smile, plus I profile wild
Having a sense of humor about his physical appearance while also being known for his distinct look and personality

Stash through the flock wools, burning dollars to light my stove
Keeping his money in unconventional places and using it in unconventional ways

Walk the blocks with a bop, checking dames, plus the games
Moving through his neighborhood with a sense of style and confidence, while also keeping an eye out for potential romantic partners and avoiding trouble

People play, bust the problems of the world today
Commenting on the way people use games and distractions to avoid confronting bigger issues in the world around them